Classic Land Cruiser Completes Marathon Fund-Raising Expedition

1993 Toyota still tough enough for journey from Afghanistan to Sussex 

The built-to-last qualities of the Toyota Land Cruiser have been proven once again with a 1993-vintage model toughing it out on a 4,600-mile desert marathon.

The redoubtable 4×4 proved its mettle as the support vehicle in a fund-raising journey from Afghanistan to the Goodwood Festival of Speed that has raised more than £22,000 for Mission Motorsport, a group that helps the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by offering a chance to get involved in the business of racing cars and bikes.

The expedition was led by ex-Royal Marine Chris Short, who completed the route on motorbike, traversing 17 countries and some of the most demanding desert landscapes in central Asia.

Domenic Senger-Schenk took the wheel of the Land Cruiser, which was loaded with essential supplies. He was delighted by the Toyota’s performance: “The experience has been incredible and the Land Cruiser was rock solid.

“The only issue was a radiator problem that we easily fixed. Although I had never driven on roads anything like as rough as those in the Afghan and Kazakh deserts, and despite the fact the car was top-heavy with its load, the Toyota coped with it fine.”

Scott Brownlee, General Manager Press Relations and Social Media, said: “This is a great achievement for the team and we’re delighted that the Land Cruiser has once again lived up to its legendary reputation.”

The “Kabul to the Kennels” expedition was captured on film by Laurence Cameron for a television documentary. The team’s progress was also followed in a series of reports on the official Toyota UK blog which can be viewed here.